LINCOLN, NEB. (October 16, 2006)—Whether you’re thinking ahead to your plans for early November, or still deciding whether you should attend the 43rd Annual Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Conference, don’t waste another minute. Pick up the phone and call, or get online and email Lindsay Papenhausen today and register for “Past Successes, Present Investments...Gateways to the Future,” November 3, at Kearney’s Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

Keynote speaker Juli Burney is sure to spark creativity and laughter as she puts “FUN into Community Development FUNdamentals” during the morning general session. Burney is a nationally known humorist, and Nebraska native and treasure.

Other workshops include Dialogues Across Nebraska, which examines the fine art of intergenerational communications among community groups and volunteer organizations; and “Funworks”, which helps youth transform business plans into actual successful business ventures.

If that’s not enough, participants can learn how to package and market what may seem like humdrum activities and geographic locations into must-see vacation hotspots, and learn the secrets to fully tapping into and using information technology like a pro.

The evening banquet caps the day for those wanting to join in a celebration like no other. Governor Dave Heineman will be presenting more than 70 NCIP awards to individuals and communities, including Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Awards; Special Awards in the categories of Leadership, Economic and Community Development; and Community Notebook Advantage awards based on “scrapbooks” and judges’ visits to communities.

NCIP is a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the University of Nebraska, and NCIP sponsors—Great Plains Communications, Northern Natural Gas, Glenwood Telephone, Kinder Morgan, Inc., NorthWestern Public Service, and Aquila. These generous sponsors help support the program year-round and provide plaques and cash prizes to the NCIP award winners.

Don’t wait. Contact Lindsay Papenhausen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6587, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your spot now.

Information also is available at NCIP’s website: http://crd.neded.org/nci

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Lindsay Papenhausen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6587, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.